Hrbowski

http://web.usabaseball.com/assets/images/9/7/0/122694970/cuts/JayGSAMW_mtgh1xoi_l0cm9a6e.jpg
 
Tyler Jay is a 6'1", 175 pound left-handed pitcher for the University of Illinois who went undrafted out of high school, but made a huge jump during his sophomore year. Jay has an electric arm, usually sitting around 95 mph, but can get it up to 98 frequently, and he also throws a slider, curve, and change. Although he is a power pitcher, he does not use a ton of effort in his delivery, using his athleticism and arm speed to throw in the high nineties, but some talent evaluators are concerned about his size. He closes for the Fighting Illini, and has only made one start this year, but he has the pitch mix and control to start, so the team that drafts him will likely make him a starter. He has the stuff to be a #1 starter, as his fastball has lots of movement and has got 70 ratings, and his curve and slider have received 60s, plus his change is average. Some teams don't think he can start, but many scouts didn't think that Tim Lincecum, Sonny Gray, or Marcus Stroman would start, but all of them ended up being starters in the majors, and even if he doesn't start he will be an above average reliever. The Twins are said to be high on Jay, who has similar stuff to Carlos Rodon, and even if he didn't start he would immediately become the top relief prospect in the organization, or they could take the route the White Sox have taken with Chris Sale and Rodon, and the Twins could take Jay to prevent the Sox from doing the same thing again, but I don’t think that would be their motive if they take him, but he certainly has the stuff to be the top pitcher to come out of this year’s class.

Yesterday the Twins completed their 40 round draft, and picked up some promising players throughout the draft, but signablity could be an issue for some. Here is a review of the 40 picks:
 
Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
Jay is a quick to the big leagues type reliever who will be converted to a starter next year, he has great stuff, and I considered him the second best pitcher in the class.
 
http://twinsdaily.com/blog/531/entry-6569-tyler-jay-2015-mlb-draft/
 

 
Kyle Cody - Right Handed Pitcher - Kentucky
Cody is a huge pitcher who has great stuff, but battled command this year. He will be given the chance to start, and if he can harness his command he could be a huge steal, but if he can't he will move to the bullpen, where he could end up being a real good power arm.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiC9pvwi0xI
 
Travis Blankenhorn - Third Base - PA High School
Blankenhorn is a left handed hitter with a good approach who was a shortstop in high school, but will move to third or a corner outfield spot as a pro, he has been given Alex Gordon comps, and he should hit for both average and power at the next level.
 

 
Trey Cabbage - Third Base - TN High School
Cabbage was the second prep third basemen taken by the Twins, and he also is a a very good left handed hitter, although he is not as good of a defender as Blankenhorn, he has more power potential.
 

 
Alex Robinson - Left Handed Pitcher - Maryland
Robinson is a power arm out of the bullpen, who throws into the upper nineties, but has struggled with command.
 
Chris Paul - Outfield - California
Senior sign who played well in the Northwoods league last year, he also hit .313 during he senior year.
 
Jovani Moran - Left Handed Pitcher - PR Academy
Moran is a projectable lefty who sits 88-90 with a good changeup.
 

 
Kolton Kendrick - First Base - LA High School
Kendrick has some of the best power in the class, and has gotten comparisons to Mark McGwire, he will be limited to first, and has raised questions about his ability to hit, but he will always be a power threat.
 

 
LaMonte Wade - Outfield - Maryland
Wade is a solid hitter who can play a good center field, he has deceptive speed, and has a good throwing arm.
 

 
Sean Miller - Shortstop - South Carolina - Aiken
Miller was one of the better defensive shortstops in the class, and is a good runner, but he has a light bat.
 
Kerby Camacho - Catcher - PR Academy
Camacho is a switch hitting catcher who has both a good bat and fine receiving skills.
 

 
Zander Wiel - First Base - Vanderbilt
Wiel had a great year hitting cleanup for Vanderbilt, showing potential to hit for average and power, he can also run fairly well for a first baseman, stealing 13 bases, plus he should be able to play corner outfield.
 

 
Cody Stashak - Right Handed Pitcher - St. Johns (NY)
 

 
AJ Murray - Catcher - Georgia Tech
Murray can hit, according to Deron Johnson, and he showed that during his senior year, hitting 15 home runs.
 

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGPHyZpdzPQ
 
Anthony McIver - Left Handed Pitcher - San Diego
McIver spent his college career at three different colleges. He is a senior sign.
 
Lean Marrero - Outfield - PR Academy
 
Nate Gercken - Right Handed Pitcher - Academy of Arts University (CA)
Gercken is a huge righty who throws a really good sinker. He is a senior sign.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvnJ3A9-DQ4
 
Daniel Kihle - Outfield - Wichita State
Kihle profiles as a center fielder, and can run the bases well.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v147396783/draft-report-daniel-kihle
 
Kyle Wilson - Right Handed Pitcher - MO High School
Wilson throws a mid nineties fastball and a really good curve.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v132092183/draft-report-kyle-wilson-hs-pitcher
 
Colton Eastman - Right Handed Pitcher - CA High School
Eastman may be a tough sign, but he has a three pitch mix, and it would be great if the Twins could sign him.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v130722883
 
Kamran Young - Outfield - Cal State - Dominguez Hills
Young is a senior sign, he played well in his junior year after transferring from College of the Canyons.
 
Blake Cederlind - Right Handed Pitcher - Merced College (CA)
Cederlind did not have a good year, but hits 94, so the Twins decided to take a gamble.
 
Alex Perez - Shortstop - Virginia Tech
Another senior sign who had a solid college career.
 
Jaylin Davis - Outfield - Appalachian State
Davis is a junior who had limited playing time this year, but he is known for his speed.
 
Logan Lombana - Right Handed Pitcher - Cal State - Long Beach
Lombana is a reliever.
 
Tyler Williams - Outfield - AZ High School
Williams' dad is a Twins scout, and he is considered a potential five tool talent.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v141615983/draft-report-tyler-williams
 
Dalton Sawyer - Left Handed Pitcher - Minnesota
Johnson said they plan on using Sawyer as a reliever.
 
Jonathan Englemann - Outfield - CA High School
Englemann is another potential five tool player, but he will be a tough sign.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v132126083/draft-report-jonathan-engelmann-hs-outfielder
 
Brad Hartong - Catcher - Indiana
Hartong is a five year senior.
 
Greg Popylisen - Outfield - El Paso Community College
Popylisen can fly, and was drafted because of his speed.
 
Tristan Pompey - Outfield - ON High School
Pompey is the brother of Dalton Pompey, and some say he has more tools, but it is unlikely that he will sign.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v150300983/draft-report-tristan-pompey
 
Andrew Vazquez - Left Handed Pitcher - Westmont College (CA)
Vazquez is a senior sign.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-X62A-Twwo
 
Colin Theroux - Catcher - San Joaquin Delta College (CA)
 
Brian Olson - Catcher - Seattle University
 
Hector Lujan - Right Handed Pitcher - Westmont College (CA)
 
Rich Condeelis - Right Handed Pitcher - University of Pittsburgh
 
Jake Irvin - Right Handed Pitcher - MN High School
The only Minnesota prep player taken in the draft, Irvin will likely attend college.
 
Alex McKenna - Outfield - CA High School
 
Daniel Tillo - Left Handed Pitcher - IA High School
 
Max Cordy - Right Handed Pitcher - University of California Davis

Yesterday the Twins completed their 40 round draft, and picked up some promising players throughout the draft, but signablity could be an issue for some. Here is a review of the 40 picks:
 
Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
Jay is a quick to the big leagues type reliever who will be converted to a starter next year, he has great stuff, and I considered him the second best pitcher in the class.
 
http://twinsdaily.com/blog/531/entry-6569-tyler-jay-2015-mlb-draft/
 

 
Kyle Cody - Right Handed Pitcher - Kentucky
Cody is a huge pitcher who has great stuff, but battled command this year. He will be given the chance to start, and if he can harness his command he could be a huge steal, but if he can't he will move to the bullpen, where he could end up being a real good power arm.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiC9pvwi0xI
 
Travis Blankenhorn - Third Base - PA High School
Blankenhorn is a left handed hitter with a good approach who was a shortstop in high school, but will move to third or a corner outfield spot as a pro, he has been given Alex Gordon comps, and he should hit for both average and power at the next level.
 

 
Trey Cabbage - Third Base - TN High School
Cabbage was the second prep third basemen taken by the Twins, and he also is a a very good left handed hitter, although he is not as good of a defender as Blankenhorn, he has more power potential.
 

 
Alex Robinson - Left Handed Pitcher - Maryland
Robinson is a power arm out of the bullpen, who throws into the upper nineties, but has struggled with command.
 
Chris Paul - Outfield - California
Senior sign who played well in the Northwoods league last year, he also hit .313 during he senior year.
 
Jovani Moran - Left Handed Pitcher - PR Academy
Moran is a projectable lefty who sits 88-90 with a good changeup.
 

 
Kolton Kendrick - First Base - LA High School
Kendrick has some of the best power in the class, and has gotten comparisons to Mark McGwire, he will be limited to first, and has raised questions about his ability to hit, but he will always be a power threat.
 

 
LaMonte Wade - Outfield - Maryland
Wade is a solid hitter who can play a good center field, he has deceptive speed, and has a good throwing arm.
 

 
Sean Miller - Shortstop - South Carolina - Aiken
Miller was one of the better defensive shortstops in the class, and is a good runner, but he has a light bat.
 
Kerby Camacho - Catcher - PR Academy
Camacho is a switch hitting catcher who has both a good bat and fine receiving skills.
 

 
Zander Wiel - First Base - Vanderbilt
Wiel had a great year hitting cleanup for Vanderbilt, showing potential to hit for average and power, he can also run fairly well for a first baseman, stealing 13 bases, plus he should be able to play corner outfield.
 

 
Cody Stashak - Right Handed Pitcher - St. Johns (NY)
 

 
AJ Murray - Catcher - Georgia Tech
Murray can hit, according to Deron Johnson, and he showed that during his senior year, hitting 15 home runs.
 

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGPHyZpdzPQ
 
Anthony McIver - Left Handed Pitcher - San Diego
McIver spent his college career at three different colleges. He is a senior sign.
 
Lean Marrero - Outfield - PR Academy
 
Nate Gercken - Right Handed Pitcher - Academy of Arts University (CA)
Gercken is a huge righty who throws a really good sinker. He is a senior sign.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvnJ3A9-DQ4
 
Daniel Kihle - Outfield - Wichita State
Kihle profiles as a center fielder, and can run the bases well.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v147396783/draft-report-daniel-kihle
 
Kyle Wilson - Right Handed Pitcher - MO High School
Wilson throws a mid nineties fastball and a really good curve.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v132092183/draft-report-kyle-wilson-hs-pitcher
 
Colton Eastman - Right Handed Pitcher - CA High School
Eastman may be a tough sign, but he has a three pitch mix, and it would be great if the Twins could sign him.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v130722883
 
Kamran Young - Outfield - Cal State - Dominguez Hills
Young is a senior sign, he played well in his junior year after transferring from College of the Canyons.
 
Blake Cederlind - Right Handed Pitcher - Merced College (CA)
Cederlind did not have a good year, but hits 94, so the Twins decided to take a gamble.
 
Alex Perez - Shortstop - Virginia Tech
Another senior sign who had a solid college career.
 
Jaylin Davis - Outfield - Appalachian State
Davis is a junior who had limited playing time this year, but he is known for his speed.
 
Logan Lombana - Right Handed Pitcher - Cal State - Long Beach
Lombana is a reliever.
 
Tyler Williams - Outfield - AZ High School
Williams' dad is a Twins scout, and he is considered a potential five tool talent.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v141615983/draft-report-tyler-williams
 
Dalton Sawyer - Left Handed Pitcher - Minnesota
Johnson said they plan on using Sawyer as a reliever.
 
Jonathan Englemann - Outfield - CA High School
Englemann is another potential five tool player, but he will be a tough sign.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v132126083/draft-report-jonathan-engelmann-hs-outfielder
 
Brad Hartong - Catcher - Indiana
Hartong is a five year senior.
 
Greg Popylisen - Outfield - El Paso Community College
Popylisen can fly, and was drafted because of his speed.
 
Tristan Pompey - Outfield - ON High School
Pompey is the brother of Dalton Pompey, and some say he has more tools, but it is unlikely that he will sign.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v150300983/draft-report-tristan-pompey
 
Andrew Vazquez - Left Handed Pitcher - Westmont College (CA)
Vazquez is a senior sign.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-X62A-Twwo
 
Colin Theroux - Catcher - San Joaquin Delta College (CA)
 
Brian Olson - Catcher - Seattle University
 
Hector Lujan - Right Handed Pitcher - Westmont College (CA)
 
Rich Condeelis - Right Handed Pitcher - University of Pittsburgh
 
Jake Irvin - Right Handed Pitcher - MN High School
The only Minnesota prep player taken in the draft, Irvin will likely attend college.
 
Alex McKenna - Outfield - CA High School
 
Daniel Tillo - Left Handed Pitcher - IA High School
 
Max Cordy - Right Handed Pitcher - University of California Davis

http://www.tigerrag.com/Images/Interior/baseball/bregman_batting.jpg
 
Arizona Diamondbacks-#1
Dansby Swanson - Shortstop - Vanderbilt
 
I said on Friday that I wouldn’t change this, and I haven’t, but Tyler Stephenson could be in play here.
 
Houston Astros-#2
Alex Bregman - Shortstop - LSU
 
Did not change, but if Swanson falls he would probably be the pick.
 
Colorado Rockies-#3
Brendan Rodgers - Shortstop - Florida High School
 
Once again I’m sticking with my previous pick, but Tyler Jay or Andrew Benintendi might be options.
 
Texas Rangers-#4
Dillon Tate - Right Handed Pitcher - UC Santa Barbara
 
Tate remains here, but if any of the shortstops fall they would get picked, or the Rangers could go with Daz Cameron or Trenton Clark.
 
Houston Astros-#5
Kyle Tucker - Outfield - Florida High School
 
I think that the Astros will stick with the family connection and go with Tucker, but Benintendi could go here if they pick Rodgers at #2, or they might go with Daz Cameron.
 
Minnesota Twins-#6
Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
 
Daz Cameron would probably be the pick if they think that he would sign, or if any of the players above fell they would likely pick them. If they don’t think Tyler Jay will start they would take Trenton Clark.
 
Boston Red Sox-#7
Daz Cameron - Outfield - Georgia High School
 
I think that the Cameron slide would end before Houston picks again, and this seems the
most likely place for it to stop, but the Red Sox also like Benintendi and Carson Fulmer.
 
Chicago White Sox-#8
Carson Fulmer - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
 
The White Sox are said to like college pitchers, and Fulmer is best available.
 
Chicago Cubs-#9
Andrew Benintendi - Outfield - Arkansas
 
The Cubs could take any of about 15 players, but they usually go with college hitters, so I think that they will go with Benintendi.
 
Philadelphia Phillies-#10
Tyler Stephenson - Catcher - Georgia High School
 
I’m going with Stephenson here, but the Phillies could take just about anyone.
 
Cincinnati Reds-#11
Trenton Clark - Outfield - Texas High School
 
Miami Marlins-#12
Garrett Whitley - Outfield - New York High School
 
Tampa Bay Rays-#13
Walker Buehler - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
 
Atlanta Braves-#14
Cornelius Randolph - Outfield - Georgia High School
 
Milwaukee Brewers-#15
Kyle Funkhouser - Right Handed Pitcher - Louisville
 
New York Yankees-#16
Jon Harris - Right Handed Pitcher - Missouri State
 
Cleveland Indians-#17
Kolby Allard - Left Handed Pitcher - California High School
 
San Francisco Giants-#18
Brady Aiken - Left Handed Pitcher - IGM Academy
 
Pittsburgh Pirates-#19
Mike Nikorak - Right Handed Pitcher - Pennsylvania High School
 
Oakland Athletics-#20
Ian Happ - Outfield - Cincinnati
 
Kansas City Royals-#21
James Kaprielian - Right Handed Pitcher - UCLA
 
Detroit Tigers-#22
Donny Everett - Right Handed Pitcher - Tennessee High School
 
St. Louis Cardinals-#23
Ashe Russell - Right Handed Pitcher - Indiana High School
 
Los Angeles Dodgers-#24
Phil Bickford - Right Handed Pitcher - CC of Southern Nevada
 
Baltimore Orioles-#25
Nick Plummer - Outfield - Michigan High School
 
Los Angeles Angels-#26
Blake Trahan - Shortstop - Louisiana Lafayette

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/70e192a02b221e84a84e5485d108121a4c0e0c0a/c=0-14-3600-2722&r=x513&c=680x510/local/-/media/Nashville/Nashville/2014/05/17//1400368355000-NAS-SIG-VANDYBASEBALL0518-01.JPG
 
Arizona Diamondbacks-#1
Dansby Swanson - Shortstop - Vanderbilt
 
Same pick as last week, and I’m not going to change this since there are so many rumors, and Swanson is the most reasonable one.
 
Houston Astros-#2
Alex Bregman - Shortstop - LSU
 
Last week I had them take Fulmer, but this week I’m going to have them take Bregman, who they really like, but Fulmer is still in play here.
 
Colorado Rockies-#3
Brendan Rodgers - Shortstop - Florida High School
 
Last week I had them take Benintendi, and I think that there is a good chance that he does get picked by them, but Rodgers has the highest ceiling, so I think he goes here, but Jay and Fulmer will be players to watch.
 
Texas Rangers-#4
Dillon Tate - Right Handed Pitcher - UC Santa Barbara
 
With Bregman gone I think that the Rangers will take Tate, but Fulmer could be in play here as well, plus someone told me they like Buehler.
 
Houston Astros-#5
Kyle Tucker - Outfield - Florida High School
 
I’m staying with my pick from last week, but Fulmer, Jay, or Cameron could be in play.
 
Minnesota Twins-#6
Brady Aiken - Left Handed Pitcher - IMG Academy (Florida)
 
The Twins want Rodgers, but the rumors of him falling have become quiet, and with the top five players gone the Twins will roll the dice no matter who they take, whether it is Cameron and the shenanigans about him going to school, Kolby Allard, or potential relief pitchers in Fulmer or Jay. If I got to pick here I would probably take Fulmer, but I’m hearing that Aiken’s medical issues aren’t as bad as they were made out to be, and that he should go in the top ten, plus Aiken was at the top of the Twins board last year, so there is no reason not to take Aiken, given who else is on the board.
 
Boston Red Sox-#7
Carson Fulmer - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
 
The Red Sox drafted Fulmer out of high school, and they still like him, but they also like Benintendi.
 
Chicago White Sox-#8
Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
 
I think that this would be a lock if it plays out like this, but this class is unpredictable.
 
Chicago Cubs-#9
Andrew Benintendi - Outfield - Arkansas
 
The Cubs like college hitters, and if Benintendi is available they might be tempted to take another one.
 
Philadelphia Phillies-#10
Daz Cameron - Outfield - Georgia High School
 
Once again I’m gong BPA with the Phils, but this week it is Cameron.
 
From #11 to #26 I’m only going to give the name, position, and school of who I think the teams will pick.
 
Cincinnati Reds-#11
Jon Harris - Right Handed Pitcher - Missouri State
 
Miami Marlins-#12
Garret Whitley - Outfield - New York High School
 
Tampa Bay Rays-#13
Walker Buehler - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
 
Atlanta Braves-#14
Tyler Stephenson - Catcher - Georgia High School
 
Milwaukee Brewers-#15
Kolby Allard - Left Handed Pitcher - California High School
 
New York Yankees-#16
James Kaprielian - Right Handed Pitcher - UCLA
 
Cleveland Indians-#17
Ashe Russell - Right Handed Pitcher - Indiana High School
 
San Francisco Giants-#18
Mike Nikorak - Right Handed Pitcher - Pennsylvania High School
 
Pittsburgh Pirates-#19
Trenton Clark - Outfield - Texas High School
 
Oakland Athletics-#20
Ian Happ - Outfield - Cincinnati
 
Kansas City Royals-#21
Phil Bickford - Right Handed Pitcher - College of Southern Nevada
 
Detroit Tigers-#22
Kyle Funkhouser - Right Handed Pitcher - Louisville
 
St. Louis Cardinals-#23
Nathan Kirby - Left Handed Pitcher - Virginia
 
Los Angles Dodgers-#24
Michael Matuella - Right Handed Pitcher - Duke
 
Baltimore Orioles-#25
Cornelius Randolph - Third Base - Georgia High School
 
Los Angeles Angels-#26
Kevin Newman - Shortstop - Arizona

http://images.maxpreps.com/site_images/editorial/article/7/9/b/79b0787d-b9f9-43b4-a6ad-f4d581a1243f/97be8374-e6de-e411-bef0-a0369f3c1b4c_original.jpg
 
Arizona Diamondbacks-#1
Dansby Swanson - Shortstop - Vanderbilt
I think the Dbacks will go with Swanson or Bregman, and Swanson is more likely to stick at short, so I’ll have them pick Swanson here.
 
Houston Astros-#2
Carson Fulmer - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
After the Dbacks pick Swanson I’m going with another Commodore, and it is going to be Fulmer, who they like, and since he is unlikely to fall to #5 I think they take him here.
 
Colorado Rockies-#3
Andrew Benintendi - Center Field - Arkansas
I’ve heard that the Rockies will go college bat if Fulmer is gone, and Benintendi is the favorite here, I could also see them picking Bregman, but they could go with Jay or Rodgers.
 
Texas Rangers-#4
Alex Bregman - Shortsop - LSU
If Bregman falls the Rangers would be delighted, as one person said that Jon Daniels has handpicked him, but if he is gone Daz Cameron or Brendan Rodgers would be possibilities.
 
Houston Astros-#5
Kyle Tucker - Outfield - Plant HS (Florida)
The Astros will likely pick between Cameron and Tucker here, and since they have a connection with the Tucker family, I think that they will go with the best hitter in the class, but Cameron is the more athletic of the two.
 
Minnesota Twins-#6
Brendan Rodgers - Shortstop - Lake Mary HS (Florida)
The Twins love athletic high school hitters, and Rogers is the most complete player in the draft, but he could be gone by then. Other players to watch are Dillon Tate, Tucker, Bregman, Tyler Jay, and Cameron, and if they decide to go underslot James Kaprielian and Donnie Dewees will be players to watch.
 
Boston Red Sox-#7
Dillon Tate - Right Handed Pitcher - UC Santa Barbara
With Fulmer, Benintendi, and Bregman gone, the Red Sox will go BPA and take Tate, who has slowed down some, but it is his first year starting, and he should be able to get back on track quickly, but the Sox could take someone like Cameron, Jay, or Jon Harris.
 
Chicago White Sox-#8
Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
If the draft falls out like this the White Sox will continue to do what they do and take a lefty with an electric arm, but Harris, Cameron, and Walker Buehler could be in play here.
 
Chicago Cubs-#9
Daz Cameron - Outfielder - ELC Academy (Georgia)
I think the Cubs will go BPA, and Cameron would be that in this scenario, but the Cubs might want to strengthen pitching, and if they do Buehler, Harris, and Kyle Funkhouser would be options.
 
Philadelphia Phillies-#10
Jon Harris - Right Handed Pitcher - MSU
Nobody knows what the Phillies are doing, including themselves, so I’m going BPA, but they like Buehler and Tyler Stephenson, but this is as good of a guess as any.
 
Cincinnati Reds-#11
Tyler Stephenson - Catcher -Kennesaw Mountain HS (Georgia)
The Reds would love it if anybody above fell, but if they don’t Stephenson would likely be the choice, but Ian Happ, Trenton Clark, or Buehler could be options.
 
Miami Marlins-#12
Phil Bickford - Right Handed Pitcher - Southern Nevada JC
There are rumors that Loria could dictate this pick, and some say he prefers college pitchers, and Bickford and Buehler would be the best available, but guys like Funkhouser or Brady Aiken could be options.
 
Tampa Bay Rays-#13
Walker Buehler - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
The Rays have had their big guys in to see Buehler recently, and he seems like a logical pick here, but Happ, Kolby Allard, and Mike Nikorak, and Garrett Whitley will be considered.
 
Atlanta Braves-#14
Cornelius Randolph - Third Base - Griffen HS (Georgia)
The Braves want Stephenson, but in this scenario they decide to go with Best Georgian Available, and that would be Randolph, although I hear they like Allard a lot.
 
Milwaukee Brewers-#15
Trenton Clark - Outfielder - Richland HS (Texas)
Clark could be gone by now, but if he isn’t I think the Brewers take him, but they could go with Allard or Kaprielian.
 
New York Yankees-#16
Ashe Russell - Right Handed Pitcher - Cathedral HS (Indiana)
If it plays out to this the Yankees could go with Whitley, Kaprielian, Funkhouser, or Happ, but I think Russell has the most upside of them, so I’m having the Yankees go with Russell.
 
Cleveland Indians-#17
Garrett Whitley - Outfielder - Niskayuna HS (New York)
The Indians want someone like Buehler to fall, but if he doesn’t I think they will go with Whitley, but someone like Funkhouser or Kaprielian would be a nice pickup for the tribe.
 
San Francisco Giants-#18
Kyle Funkhouser - Right Handed Pitcher - Louisville
Last year the Giants picked Tyler Beede, and this year’s form of Beede is Funkhouser, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they go with him here, but Mike Nikorkak would also be in consideration.
 
Pittsburgh Pirates-#19
Mike Nikorak - Right Handed Pitcher - Stroudsburg HS (Pennsylvania)
People say the Pirates don’t particularly like anyone, so I think the will go with highest upside in Nikorak, or local kid Ian Happ.
 
Oakland Athletics-#20
Ian Happ - Outfielder - Cincinnati
I don’t think Happ will slide any further than this, but the A’s could go with someone like Cody Ponce.
 
Kansas City Royals-#21
James Kaprielian - Right Handed Pitcher - UCLA
The Royals like a few different college pitchers, and if Kaprielian is available they will probably pick him, but they could go after an injured pitcher.
 
Detroit Tigers-#22
Donnie Everett - Right Handed Pitcher - Clarksville HS (Tennessee)
The Tigers like Everett, and would probably take him if Funkhouser is gone, but they could go after Beau Burrows or Chris Betts.
 
St. Louis Cardinals-#23
Nathan Kirby - Left Handed Pitcher - Virginia
The Cardinals like college pitchers who fall, and that is what Kirby is, but they could go with Allard or a college hitter.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers-#24
Kolby Allard - Left Handed Pitcher - San Clemente HS (California)
The Dodgers would love Allard to fall this far, and if he does it would probably be enough for them to not pick Aiken or Michael Matuella.
 
Baltimore Orioles-#25
Kevin Newman - Shortstop - Arizona
With Happ gone, I think the Orioles will go with the best college hitter on the board, but Donnie Dewees could be in play as well, as could Brady Aiken, but the O’s like clean medical records, and Aiken wouldn’t fit the bill.
 
Los Angeles Angels-#26
Blake Trahan - Shortstop - Louisiana Lafayette
The Angels have been heavily linked to Trahan, and that seems like the pick here unless someone falls, but they could go with Richie Martin if this scenario plays out.

Feel free to ask any questions.
 
I have been working on this for awhile, and here is my completed list, but this order should move around for the next two weeks:
 
1. Brendan Rodgers, Lake Mary High School (Florida), SS
2. Dansby Swanson, Vanderbilt, SS
3. Dillon Tate, UC Santa Barbara, RHP
4. Alex Bregman, Louisiana State, SS/2B
5. Tyler Jay, Illinois, LHP
6. Kyle Tucker, Plant High School (Florida), OF
7. Brady Aiken, IGM Academy (Florida), LHP
8. Daz Cameron, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academe (Georgia), OF
9. Carson Fulmer, Vanderbilt, RHP
10. Kolby Allard, San Clemente High School (California), LHP
11. Jon Harris, Missouri State, RHP
12. Walker Buehler, Vanderbilt, RHP
13. Kyle Funkhouser, Louisville, RHP
14. Mike Nikorak, Stroudsburg High School (Pennsylvania), RHP
15. Michael Matuella, Duke, RHP
16. Trenton Clark, Richland High School (Texas), OF
17. Nick Plummer, Brother Rice High School (Michigan), OF
18. Mitch Hansen, Plano High School (Texas), OF
19. James Kaprielian, UCLA, RHP
20. Justin Hooper, De La Salle High School (California), LHP
21. Andrew Benintendi, Arkansas, OF
22. Nathan Kirby, Virginia, LHP
23. Kevin Newman, Arizona, SS
24. Phil Bickford, CC of Southern Nevada, RHP
25. Ashe Russell, Cathedral High School (Indiana), RHP
26. Garrett Whitley, Niskayuna High School (New York), OF
27. Cornelius Randolph, Griffen High School (Georgia), SS
28. Donnie Everett, Clarksville High School (Tennessee), RHP
29. Chris Betts, Wilson High School (California), C
30. Cody Ponce, Cal Poly Pomona, RHP
31. Ian Happ, Cincinnati, OF
32. Jalen Miller, Riverwood International Charter School, OF
33. DJ Stewart, Florida State, OF
34. Richie Martin, Florida, SS
35. Scott Kingery, Arizona, 2B
36. Dakota Chalmers, North Forsyth High School (Georgia), RHP
37. Ke’Bryan Hayes, Concordia Lutheran High School (Texas), 3B
38. Beau Burrows, Weatherford High School (Texas), RHP
39. Kyle Cody, Kentucky, RHP
40. Eric Jenkins, West Columbus High School (North Carolina), OF
41. Riley Ferrell, Texas Christian, RHP
42. Tyler Stephenson, Kennesaw Mountain High School (Georgia), C
43. Alonzo Jones, Columbus High School (Georgia), 2B
44. Donnie Dewees, North Florida, OF
45. Andrew Stevenson, Louisiana State, OF
46. Cole McKay, Spring Branch High School (Texas), RHP
47. Luken Baker, Oak Ridge High School (Texas), 1B/RHP
48. Jacob Nix, IGM Academy (Florida), RHP
49. Juan Hillman, Olympia High School (Florida), LHP
50. Kyle Dean, Rancho Bernardo High School (California), OF

Yesterday I decided to take a look at Sean Hjelle, a local prep pitcher from Mahtomedi who was ranked the 28th best prep prospect in baseball by Prep Baseball Report. I took one look at him and thought, “This is the tallest pitcher I have ever seen,” but that isn’t surprising seeing he is an even seven feet tall. With that height some people might worry about his delivery, but he seemed to repeat it with ease, and threw 85-90 miles per hour into the eight inning. He showed a two-seamer, a four-seamer, a decent circle change, and a slider, throwing over the top consistently for strikes, with his height and over the top delivery he produces a lot of ground balls. Hjelle is committed to the Kentucky Wildcats to play baseball, although he was a two sport star in high school, so if a team drafts him they might have trouble convincing him to sign, but teams are looking at him, including the Twins, who had a scout there who was taking a look at him and also shortstop Grant Gibson.

Author’s Note: Thank you for checking out this story. My name is Mat Batts and I hope to bring you some stories and insight from the minor league lifestyle here on Twins Daily throughout the season. This will be my second season (first full) in the Twins organization and my second stint here in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I look forward to getting to know a lot of you—online or in person—as we move forward this summer. I hope you enjoy!
 
It’s no secret that player appearances can be, well, uncomfortable for players. Each affiliate will have their promotional staff post sign up sheets in the clubhouse for various appearances and events, asking players to participate at least a few times during the season. Incentives for players can range from food vouchers and coupons to even a small cash payment at some levels. Even still, there’s hardly a mad rush to fill up the lines on each sheet.
 
It’s not that players dislike being involved in the community or meeting their fans and neighbors. But in most cases player appearances can tend toward the awkward side of things for both the players and group or event at hand. Very few of us are trained public speakers and even fewer have experience teaching or leading young children. Not to mention the timing of most of these events takes place in the mornings, most likely after a night game, or even a road game. I know, sounds torturous, right?
 
Well, during our first few days here in Iowa, we were given the speech and expectations. First up was the Kernels Reading Program. Sign up with a teammate to travel to two schools one morning and talk about the importance of reading and end the seminar with the reading of a brief children’s book.
 
John Curtiss and I decided why not knock it out and sign up for the first appearance. And there we are, in front of 400 kindergarten-second graders and later 400 more third-fifth graders, reading Quacky Baseball and offering the students an opportunity to take part in an incentive-based reading program with the Cedar Rapids Kernels.
Leaving those two schools, I have to admit my perception of the player appearances could not have been more off. In just two hours John and I, along with Kernels Community Relations staff member Ryne George had reached nearly 800 students discussing the importance of daily reading in their lives. Students are offered the chance to log reading minutes with goals and incentives at each 250-minute level. Ryne and his staff hope to reach more than 20,000 students across Cedar Rapids and Iowa City this season.
 
The Twins and their affiliates are no strangers to community service projects during the season. In fact, the Twins have even established a yearly award named in honor of the infamously charitable Harmon Killebrew to recognize one player at each minor league level for superior community service involvement during the season. This award, named alongside the Twins minor league pitcher and players of the year awards, gives players a competitive edge to an already rewarding system established here in Cedar Rapids and elsewhere throughout the organization.